By The Associated Press

December 12, 2012News Extra

Corbett announced the decision today, saying the planning had been haphazard and setting up an exchange would be irresponsible.

He says federal authorities haven’t adequately responded to questions about cost and other issues.

Many Democratic lawmakers, insurers and hospitals wanted Corbett to set up a state-run system.

The new insurance exchanges will allow households and small businesses to buy a private health plan, and many will get help from the government to pay their premiums. Under the law, states that can’t or won’t set up exchanges will have theirs run by the federal government.

States considering a partnership have until mid-February to make a decision.